Fall TV Roundup, Week 13

 

We’re into December and coming to the end of substantial new releases. Still, we’re getting new series at the start. Which of these series is worth your time to check out? Let this weekly post be your guide as I review the pilot and second episode of new series this Fall. Don’t see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Thursdays:
Bookie, Streaming Thursdays on Max (Premiered November 30)
About: This new comedy from Chuck Lorre is aimed for streaming. It features adult content and some adult language. It’s built around Sebastian Maniscalco, who stars an ex-con and bookie trying to do business. He’s aided by his best friend (Omar J. Dorsey), an ex-football player, and his sister (Vanessa Ferlito), who is good with the math and the records. The pilot re-unites a Lorre with Charlie Sheen, who makes a cameo as a version of himself. The episodes run 22-28 minutes, feeling very much like a network pace and length even if that’s not the feel for the content itself. There were some laughs and I enjoyed Maniscalco in the lead role. I also enjoyed the supporting players and the potential in the series. This feels like a breezy watch to end the year. The first two episodes are now streaming with subsequent episodes dropping Thursdays on Max.
Pilot Grade: C+
Second Episode: C+

Streaming Series:
The Artful Dodger, Now Streaming on Hulu (Premiered November 29)
About: We remember Oliver Twist, the book by Charles Dickens that featured a character called The Artful Dodger. This new series takes that character, and another, from Dickens’ tale and moves the action to 1850s Australia. Here, Jack Dawkins (Thomas Broadie Sanger), otherwise known as The Artful Dodger, is now a surgeon. He’s rebuilt his life and reputation after the events from the novel, but he’s run afoul of a local tough due to some gambling debts. As he’s trying to figure that out, he’s reunited with Fagin (David Thewlis), who is a prisoner sent to the island. Jack takes pity on Fagin, and takes him in. Together, they plot to save Jack’s hand and settle his debt, but to do that he has to make a deal with the Governor’s daughter (Maia Mitchell), agreeing to train her as a surgeon. This is an interesting take on the characters and world. It feels like something a little different from what’s on right now. I enjoyed the rapport between Sanger and Thewlis, and between Sanger and Mitchell. It’s a five-episode season, all available to stream and all about 45 minutes. So, it’s not a long or difficult commitment. But I wasn’t really drawn to the world or the overall mission. Your interest in it will likely depend on how well the story lands for you.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C

Obliterated, Now Streaming on Netflix (Premiered November 30)
About: The latest from Netflix is a wild new series about a special team, comprised of CIA agents and special forces soldiers, on a mission to save Las Vegas from a nuclear attack. Early in the pilot, the team thinks they’ve succeeded. They turn to a night of partying and revelry to celebrate. By the time they learn that the bomb they captured was a decoy, they’re in deep with the partying. Now, they have to pull themselves together and get the job done for real this time. Can they make it happen? The cast is led by Shelley Hennig and Nick Zano. Everyone seems to be having fun and the episodes run about 45 minutes. The first season is eight episodes, so it’s another quick binge. I appreciated the concept, but I didn’t care much for the story or characters. This is another series where your interest in the narrative will likely determine if you want to finish the season. I wasn’t that interested, but it’s solidly made and has some fun moments. Be warned, the content is over-the-top at times.
Pilot Grade: C
Second Episode: C